News Editor - Jobs In kenya Today

News Editor - Jobs In kenya Today

Position Summary

The Africa News Editor will play a key leadership role within the BBC's Digital News division, overseeing the delivery of impactful and high-quality journalism for audiences across Africa and globally. Based in Nairobi, the successful candidate will help shape editorial direction and influence how major events and developments from the continent are reported and understood by millions of readers and viewers.

The role involves leading the planning, commissioning, and production of compelling digital news content in English across text and video formats for the BBC News website and related platforms. The editor will manage a team of journalists and content producers responsible for covering breaking news, developing major stories, and delivering timely, accurate, and engaging journalism.

Key responsibilities include directing live news coverage, supervising multimedia storytelling, overseeing feature production, and ensuring that content consistently reflects the BBC’s editorial standards of accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. The role also requires identifying significant stories, setting editorial priorities, and ensuring that coverage remains distinctive, authoritative, and audience-focused across all digital channels.

The successful candidate will provide strong editorial leadership, foster innovation in digital storytelling, and ensure that coverage of Africa remains insightful, responsive, and impactful in a fast-paced global news environment.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated senior-level experience in digital journalism, with a strong practical understanding of covering and managing breaking news across online platforms.

• Proven ability to exercise sound editorial judgment in complex and fast-moving news environments, making informed decisions under pressure while maintaining high editorial standards.

• Extensive knowledge of African current affairs, governance, and political developments, supported by strong networks and the ability to identify, develop, and uncover original stories that resonate with audiences.

• Deep understanding of audience behaviors and interests across Africa, with the ability to translate editorial strategies into engaging digital content that attracts and retains both regional and international audiences.

• Strong awareness of global news developments and the ability to place African stories within a broader international context.

• Comprehensive understanding of how different storytelling formats—including written articles, live coverage, video content, and multimedia features—can be used effectively to inform and engage audiences.

• Experience leveraging search trends, social media platforms, and audience insights to shape editorial decisions, extend content reach, and increase audience engagement.

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced newsroom environment while consistently meeting tight deadlines and adapting to changing priorities.

• Demonstrated leadership capability, including experience guiding teams through organizational change and encouraging innovation in editorial workflows and digital content production.

• Proven success managing geographically dispersed and culturally diverse teams, while mentoring and supporting journalists through evolving editorial and digital challenges.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience developing and adapting content for emerging digital channels, new media platforms, and innovative storytelling formats.

• Understanding of commercial and audience growth considerations within a digital news or media environment.

• Proficiency in one or more African languages in addition to English.

• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms, content management systems, and newsroom production technologies used in modern multimedia environments.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified? Go to BBC Media Action on careers.bbc.co.uk to apply